Tree plantings commence on the ‘Energising the Eastern Hills’ project

Thursday, November 26th, 2009 - Electricity. We move it.

ElectraNet, the owner and manager of South Australia’s electricity transmission network, and Trees for Life have commenced a vegetation program planting native trees as part of ElectraNet’s new electricity substation development currently in preparation to begin construction works early next year. The trees are being planted during November to allow their growing cycle to start as soon as possible, creating a natural screen to the new substation.

Trees for Life (TFL) is a not-for-profit South Australian community environmental organisation supported by members and donors across Australia. Since 1981, TFL has been working with local communities to do something practical to improve their local environment. ElectraNet have worked closely with TFL since 1999 and built a strong partnership by working together on several vegetation projects across the state. Some of these projects include revegetation and bush management initiatives on properties owned by ElectraNet such as Tungkillo, Cherry Gardens, Clare and Mount Barker.

The new plantings at the Mount Barker South property focus on reintroducing native vegetation to the area and will utilise a variety of techniques including active planting of tubestock, direct seeding, bushcare management practices and maintenance. The first stage of this program will see the planting of more than 250 new plants ranging from Kangaroo Thoms and Blackwoods to Silky Tea Trees and River Red Gums. The first plantings commenced this month will continue with an annual planting and maintenance program over the next five years. This vegetation program contributes to screening the new electricity substation and reducing its visual impact for neighbouring residents of the area.

Carmel Dundon, Trees for Life CEO, said ‘the partnership developed with ElectraNet over the past 10 years strongly demonstrates their commitment to environmental sustainability as they balance this with supplying critical infrastructure within our community. Our volunteers are excited about this new program where we’re reintroducing a number of local native species back into the region’.

Greg Rice, ElectraNet’s Executive Manager Development and Projects, said ‘Forging genuine and strong partnerships with community organisations like Trees for Life is paramount to ElectraNet as we deliver on our commitments towards long term environmental sustainability’.

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ElectraNet, the owner and manager of South Australia’s electricity transmission network, and Trees for Life have commenced a vegetation program planting native trees as part of ElectraNet’s new electricity substation development.